Randy Lerner Confirms Talking to Investor About Browns

There’s been rumors the past two months about the Cleveland Browns being up for sale, and today current owner Randy Lerner confirmed that he is talking to someone about an investment into the team.

The Browns released the following statement per Lerner about a possible investor.

“In connection with current rumors and press inquiries, I can report that I’ve been approached by Mr. Jimmy Haslam, who is interested in making an investment in the Cleveland Browns. We are currently in negotiations and both sides have agreed to keep that dialogue and its details private. Given that any transaction would require League approval, care has been taken so that this process will not be disruptive to the organization, in particular the football team, as it prepares for the upcoming season. We will share further details or make an announcement if it becomes necessary.”

Randy Lerner took the team over for his father, Al Lerner, who passed away during the 2002 season. Randy also owns a soccer team, and with the lack of success of the Browns, it’s not a shock that he would be looking to push all or part of the fiscal part of the team onto someone else.

Just read an article stating that Jimmy Haslam is a part owner of the Steelers. Is this the same guy, wouldn’t he have to sell his portion of the Steelers? Sounds like another mess for the Browns Fans. I wish he would sell to someone that is passionate about football as he is about soccer.

I cannot see for a minute how Mr. Haslam would be able to keep his interest in the Steelers as part of this deal. The conflict of interest is too obvious. But, he does come from an organization that fields contenders as a matter of course — and would remain in that same division. I can think of no stronger motivation that being able to not just compete with, but knock off the perennial dominant team on a consistent basis. can you imagine what the Pittsburgh-Cleveland games would become, let alone adding Baltimore & Cincinnati to the mix. I can’t see where Lerner has accomplished anything, so, assuming this guy is legit and has the cajones to filed a winner, why not . . .?